Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Hiatus

I guess three weeks is enough, and I couldn't leave you hanging as we approach the deadline.

Today we announced the acquisition of Sean Gallagher as the player to be named later in the Scott Hairston trade with Oakland. I know many of you attempted to post comments in the past couple of weeks regarding Sean, but I did not publish them as it was not official until today. I didn't think it was fair to Sean or the A's to add to the speculation. However, now that we can talk about it...

Sean is a 23 year old right-hander with 144 Major League innings under his belt. At 6'2", 235, Sean has shown a big fastball, which combined with his minor league dominance (a 2-something ERA at all four full-season levels: A, A+, AA, and AAA) helped him get to the big leagues with the Cubs when he was just 21 years old. His fastball can be overpowering (90-96) at times, though our scouts have also seen him in the 88-92 range.

Spending most of 2008 in the Majors with Chicago and Oakland, Sean pitched 115.1 innings, giving up 118 hits and 58 walks while striking out 103. The strikeouts are particularly impressive for a 22-year old rookie, and it was encouraging that he was able to hold both left-handed hitters and right-handed hitters below an .800 ops. He did miss three weeks toward the end of the season with shoulder inflammation but came back to make four appearances in September. This year he has been on the DL since early June with a knee issue. We're not sure whether he'll be able to pitch again this season, but regardless we're expecting him to be at full strength in plenty of time for spring training.

This acquisition gives us another Major League ready starting pitcher with big potential upside.

Hey Paul. I was also looking forward to your thoughts on Oscar Salazar and his trade. Also, what are your plans with him and Luis Rodriguez in the infield, and with Henry Blanco and Eliezer at catcher? Best regards from Caracas, Venezuela

What are your thoughts on 19 yr old LHP Juan Oramas who is one of the league leaders in ERA and K's pitching for Mexico City Red Devils in the Mexican League. I myself am blown away by his performance. Any thoughts on how excited is the front office regarding his performance this year? I have not heard one word regarding him in the local media this year.

thanks for the info on Sean. He looks like he will really benefit from being around Balls come spring training. Although sad to see Scottie go I am glad to see the FO work it into some returned top talent. Where are you guys projecting Sean when healthy, 1-5?

Sad to hear A. Aristy got popped for performance enhancing drugs but will he be allowed to practice within the Padres facilities or is he on his own during the 50 game ban?

So ok, I bought it, I buy it, and I will continue to buy it... This organization knows pitching and can trade for it. My comment and question was, is, and will continue to be, how about hitting??? We need this organization to show that they have a feel for appreciating, recognizing, drafting and trading hitters... So far I don't see it. I think its a glaring hole in the organization, and this latest trade demonstrates it again. So Paul, when are you guys going to make some noise in the hitting department?best,